Man dead after Highway 43 closure

UPDATE: RCMP confirmed a man succumbed to his injuries in the initial vehicle pile-up. According to 511Alberta and RCMP, the Highway 43 is back open to traffic.  

RCMP are working on getting motorists on their way after multiple collisions near Fox Creek have shut down Highway 43 in both directions. 

Police say there was a collision earlier in the day involving at least 17 vehicles. Officers cannot provide an update on injuries at this time as they are putting their focus on assisting people on the road. There is also word that another collision happened later in the day involving at least 15 other vehicles. 

According to 511Alberta as of 4:37 p.m. on December 23, the highway remains closed with no estimated time of opening.